Podcast Episodes
Riot Course: Guitar Music Done Right – Post-Grunge, Emo & Beyond
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
We sat down with all four members of RiotCourse — Kate, Spencer, Mark, and Nathan — to talk about their brand new EP, recording at IO Studio in Detroit, playing in multiple bands, DIY venues, and what's coming next.
From Broken Windows to Milestone Moments: Inside Low Phase's Homemade Studio Journey
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
In this candid chat, Lpw Phase reveals how self-producing their latest album has unlocked rawer, heavier sounds—think shoegaze meets distorted guitars—without the studio constraints. You'll discover how a broken window led to an unforgettable story, the secret behind their color-changing cups, and practical insights into modern live performance strategies like integrating backing tracks and managing costs as an indie band.
From Tie-Dye Shirts to Stormy Gigs: Ramble Tamble Keeps Their Style Low-Key and Authentic
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Discover the unique sound of Ramble Tamble, a band from Marquette, Michigan, blending surf music, psychedelic vibes, and beach-inspired themes. In this episode, they share their origins, creative process, and the stories behind their live shows and recordings.
From College Talent Shows to Road Trips: The Rise of Zinc Vacuum
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
In this episode, we sit down with the dynamic duo Zinc Vacuum, a Michigan-based two-piece rock band, to uncover their journey from college talent shows to recording albums and planning tours. Dive into their creative process, influences, and the unique aspects of being a two-member band in today's music landscape.
Pretty Sure: Trio of Friends Reignite Goober Punk Music Between Cincinnati to Grand Rapids
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Join Bryce and Kyle from Pretty Sure as they share candid stories about their journey in music, their upcoming tour, the nuances of releasing EPs versus albums, and their creative processes. This episode offers an authentic look into what it takes to grow in the indie scene while staying true to their art.
The Alluvion: The Secret Sauce Behind a Thriving Music Venue: Passion, Thoughtfulness, and Community
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Explore the story behind Traverse City's vibrant music scene through the lens of The Alluvion venue. This episode features insights from Matt McCalpin, the venue's operations and booking manager, and audio engineer Tiff Falls, as they discuss the venue’s inception, unique features, and upcoming events.
Super Nuclear - From Oil & Dye to Digital the Evolution of Live Visuals in Modern Music
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Discover the innovative work of Matthew Stafford, aka Supernuclear, who creates mesmerizing live visuals for music performances. This conversation explores his process, influences, and ambitions to shape a vibrant live music scene in Traverse City, Michigan.
That Is A Wrap 2025: Michigan Music Recap
In this episode, Jeff and Ryan recap their year of the podcast and the Michigan music news. They talk about some of the interviews they had with musicians such as Mike Ward, Spencer LaJoye, Rebekah Jon, Kylee Phillips, Chris DuPont, and Kyle Joe. They talk about the venues that closed and opened or will open soon, such as Acrisure Amphitheater, The Big Room, and Kalamazoo State Theater. Of course, they discuss some of highlights in live music they experienced in the past year. Finally, they touch on what is in store for the podcast in 2026.
Live from Sounds of the Zoo: Artist Insights
In this episode, we explore the vibrant music scene at the Sounds of the Zoo Festival, featuring interviews with two bands and one photographer, including The Blue Pines, Sophia McIntosh and the Sages, and Stacey Griffin from Dreamwave Photography. The discussions delve into the artists' backgrounds, their creative processes, and the unique experiences of performing at the festival. The episode highlights the collaborative spirit and the diverse musical influences that shape the artists' work.
Exploring the Sound of Basic Comfort
We had the opportunity to talk with Kalamazoo's alternative pop band Basic Comfort at the Sounds of the Zoo festival. The band has been playing music for over a decade. We discussed their music creation process and upcoming releases. The band shares insights into their collaborative approach and the evolution of their sound, highlighting their latest single 'Aurora' and plans for future music.
Overdrive Orchestra: Progedelic Rock
An interview with Overdrive Orchestra at Bells Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo! The members of Overdrive Orchestra discuss their latest album 'Restless Star', the creative process behind their music, and their influences, including a nod to Pink Floyd.
Erin Monro & Celestina y Los Sanchez
This episode consists of two interviews with women vocalists, Erin Monroe and Celestina Sanchez, that we came across while at the Sounds of the Zoo Festival in Kalamazoo.
Rising from the Fall: Jacob Betts' Journey of Overcoming a Traumatic Brain Injury
Jacob Betts, The American Hotel System, shares his profound journey following a traumatic brain injury during college, detailing how it transformed his life and led him to songwriting.
Journey of The Stratton Setlist: A Music Blog
In this conversation, Lori Stratton discusses her journey in the music scene, the inception of her blog 'The Stratton Setlist', and her passion for promoting local artists in Michigan.
Super Fans: Ralph & Deb
We had the opportunity to interview passionate music fans Ralph and Deb, who share their experiences and insights about the local music scene in West Michigan.
They discuss their favorite bands, the importance of supporting local artists, and the vibrant community that surrounds live music.
The conversation flows through various topics, including personal stories, musical influences, and the evolution of music venues, creating a rich tapestry of the music culture in the area.
Zach Dubay
Drummer Zach Dubay shares his journey through the music scene, discussing the formation of his band, Candid Antics. He reflects on winning the Walk the Beat competition, his unique experiences subbing for various bands, and the challenges of filling in for gigs.
Zach also delves into his musical influences, the importance of practice, and his upcoming move to Nashville, where he hopes to expand his opportunities in the vibrant music scene.
The discussion highlights the differences between the music culture in Nashville and Grand Rapids, emphasizing the importance of connections and community in the industry.
Jeeto / Michael Byrd
While we were at Michigan Music Alliance's Music Econ Summit earlier this year, we had the opportunity to interview singer songwriter, Jeeto, and author and music industry professional, Michael Byrd..
Jeeto discusses his journey in music, the creative process, and the importance of authenticity. He shares insights on overcoming the fear of failure and the significance of getting feedback quickly. Jeeto emphasizes the raw and authentic sound he aims to achieve in his music, which is influenced by his personal experiences and trauma.
Michael Byrd, 37th Music Market, provides valuable insights into the business side of music, highlighting the importance of understanding the industry to succeed. We discuss Byrd's upcoming book, 'Fix It in the Mix,' which serves as a guide for musicians navigating the music business.
Widetrack
Ryan and Jeff chat with Ron and Zach from the band Widetrack, exploring their unique father-son dynamic in music, the evolution of their sound, and the creative process behind their albums, including their latest Galatea.
The conversation also delves into the theme of perfectionism in art, emphasizing the balance between striving for quality and knowing when to let go.
The band Widetrack discusses their creative process, the significance of their song titles, and the impact of Zach’s experiences at Berklee College of Music.
They explore the challenges of releasing music, the importance of community in musical growth, and their future performance plans. The discussion also touches on the use of AI in art and music, emphasizing the balance between innovation and authenticity.
The Livery
In this conversation, Simon Rusk, the owner and head brewer of The Livery Brewery, shares insights into the history of the venue, its unique space, and the challenges of running a live music space.
He discusses the brewery's commitment to crafting a variety of beverages, including beer, seltzer, and mocktails, while also emphasizing the importance of supporting original music.
Simon highlights the community engagement aspect of the brewery and its food offerings, as well as upcoming events that promise to bring more live music to Benton Harbor.